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Coleman takes a job while he awaits outcome of court cases over Minnesota's U.S. Senate seat

ST. PAUL - Norm Coleman still wants to return as a Minnesota U.S. senator, but until then has another job.

The Republican Jewish Coalition today announced Coleman will become a "consultant and strategic adviser."

"We are thrilled and honored to have Norm Coleman join us at the RJC at this critical time. We look forward to having the benefit of his experience and wise counsel to help the RJC plot its future course," coalition Executive Director Matt Brooks said. "We are confident that in a few months Sen. Coleman will return to his seat in the Senate, but until that time, we are eager for him to travel across the country on our behalf and to be an important voice within the organization."

Coleman is Jewish like his Democratic opponent in the Senate race, Al Franken. The two are embroiled in a couple of court cases over the election results, which now show Franken leading by 225 votes.

Brooks said Coleman will help the coalition continue its growth, including traveling the country for the group, speaking to Jewish groups. Coleman also will recruit members, but will not lobby Congress.

The Minnesota Republican lost his Senate job early this month when his six-year term expired. The governor and secretary of state are not willing to certify Franken's election until a court challenge is decided.

In the meantime today, a spokesman for the Senate majority leader says there will be no immediate effort to seat Franken. But he did not rule out trying to give Franken the Senate seat before the court cases are finished.